Growing Impatiens Indoors

Impatiens produce blooms in white and brilliant shades of red and orange.

Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) are equally at home as houseplants or bedding plants. Native to east Africa where they grow wild as perennials in shaded areas, impatiens reach heights of 3 feet. Because they cannot tolerate frost and prefer temperatures above 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, impatiens are typically grown as annuals in the summer garden or as houseplants inside the home.

Soil and Water

Impatiens prefer humus-rich, evenly moist soil. Plant them in a container with a mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite and potting soil or finished compost. Potting soil alone is too heavy for the delicate roots of impatiens and may pose issues with drainage. Water impatiens as soon as the soil feels dry to the touch but avoid standing water or soggy soil. The amount and frequency of water needed depends on the size of the plant and its rate of growth. As a rule, watering until water runs freely through the bottom of the container and watering again when the soil feels dry keeps the soil moist and promotes healthy growth in impatiens.

Fertilizer

Container-grown plants require fertilizer regularly to replace nutrients that leach from the pot during watering; however, too much fertilizer may result in healthy, green foliage and few blooms. Apply water-soluble fertilizer designed for flowering houseplants once a month. Some prefer to dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it twice a month.

Light and Temperature

Prized for their ability to bloom prolifically under low-light conditions outside, impatiens require moderate light when grown inside the home. Too little light may prevent your impatiens from blooming. Place the impatiens in bright indirect light near an eastern or northern window or several feet from a western or southern window to promote blooming. Impatiens develop weak, leggy stems and small leaves if not provided enough light. Maintain temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 65 and 70 degrees during the day.

Pinching

Pinching to produce a dense, compact plant typically improves the appearance of impatiens. Pinch out the center growing tips on each branch with your thumb and fingers. This forces new growth to form along the stems. Repeat the procedure when new growth reaches a height of two to three inches. Impatiens can also be trimmed to maintain overall shape -- but don't throw those cuttings away. Impatiens cuttings root easily in a jar or vase of water, producing new plants.

About the Author

Nannette Richford is an avid gardener, teacher and nature enthusiast with more than four years' experience in online writing. Richford holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Maine Orono and certifications in teaching 7-12 English, K-8 General Elementary and Birth to age 5.